From January 1st 2026 new UEC regulations apply

During December 2025 the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC) has announced an upgrade to the UEC European Gravel Championships starting in 2026. To ensure a competitive and fair race environment and increases prestige, a new qualification system will be introduced.

Key Changes from 2026 onwards:

• Automatic Qualification via UCI Gravel World Series:
  All European UCI Gravel World Series qualifier events held within the 12 months prior to the European Gravel Championships will automatically serve as qualifying events for the European Championships each year.  Top 25% per category qualifies.

• Eligibility for European Titles:
  Only riders who have successfully qualified and hold a full-year licence with a valid UCI ID will be eligible to compete for European titles.

• Participation for Recreational Riders:
  Amateur riders may still take part in the event with a one-day licence, as is standard in all UCI Gravel World Series events. However, they will not be eligible to compete for European titles. A medical certificate will be required for riders entering with a day licence.

• Wildcards for Host Nation:
  The national federation of the host country will receive a number of wildcard entries. These riders may enter without prior qualification. The exact number of wildcards will be confirmed at a later date.

• Qualification for the UCI Gravel World Championships:
  The UEC European Gravel Championships remain a qualifier event for the UCI Gravel World Championships.

• Mandatory national team outfit:
  All participants competing for the European titles are expected to race in a jersey representing their nationality, increasing the prestige of the European Championships.
  

How to qualify or participate in the event as a Nordic or Finnish rider

• Qualify with the first 25% of licensed riders at any European UCI Qualifier race from 1st of August 2026 onwards.
  
  In the Nordics this means Gravel Weekend (LT) 9th August, Gravel Grit’n Grind Halmstad (SE) 15th August, Ulf Gravel (DK) 6th September or Falling Leaves Lahti (FI) 12th September.
  

• Earn your registration by finishing on the podium of the Nordic Gravel Series 2026 classification in your Age Group.

• Sign up as a recreational rider to the Gravel Sportive version of the event from 13th September 2026 onwards

• Earn a wildcard from the Finnish Cycling Federation (Finnish riders only). More info April 2026.